NeighborImpact Head Start slots filling up

NeighborImpact’s Head Start program is now enrolling children for the 2015-2016 school year. Children ages 3 and 4 on Sept. 1 who live in Crook or Deschutes County are eligible to apply for the free quality preschool and family support program.

To qualify, families need to submit an application along with eligibility documentation to the NeighborImpact Head Start Administrative Office located at 2303 SW 1stStreet, Redmond, OR 97756.

Head Start is a free federal- and state-funded preschool program for low-income families, helping children get ready for kindergarten and giving them access to medical services and special education screenings before they get to public school.

NeighborImpact runs Head Start in Deschutes and Crook counties. Three- and 4-year-olds attend class four hours a day, four days a week at sites in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and La Pine. Other agencies offer Head Start programs in Jefferson County.

Only 151 slots are available for new students for the upcoming school year, officials said Monday. To qualify, children must live in Deschutes or Crook counties and be 3 or 4 years old on Sept. 1. Eligibility is based on income.

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income or children in foster care, or who are homeless qualify regardless of income.

Acceptance is on a first-come, first served basis. Waiting until September to enroll will reduce chances of successful admission, so officials advise you call soon.

Applications and information regarding eligibility documentation are available for download at www.neighborimpact.org, area NeighborImpact offices (Bend, La Pine, Prineville, Redmond), or by calling 541-323-6527 to have one mailed.

NeighborImpact is a 21 Cares for Kids partner